Wearable transmitter turns palms into interface

The world could be at your fingertips, thanks to a new wearable, gesture-based gadget.

Fin enables users to control up to three devices such as smartphones, car radios and smart TVs using swipes and taps. The ring-shaped technology is worn on the thumb, and communicates with different devices using Bluetooth.

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Fin currently has five programmed gestures; in its final iteration, users will be able to create custom ones on an app that will come with the device.

"People in today's world are becoming more busy, but still they are wasting a lot of time interacting with their smart devices," said Rohildev Nattukallingal, founder of RHL Vision Technologies, the start-up behind Fin. "Fin removes this interaction gap by allowing users to quickly interact with those devices."

The portable gadget can control the volume on a television, and even lets users text or dial a number without touching their phone. Fin's creators say they hope this natural interaction can help people who are visually impaired.

Fin can last for up to a month on one charge if it's in power-saving mode, and is only used for eight hours a day, according to Nattukallingal. Fin will retail for US$120 (NZ$148), and is expected to be released in September. Its creators also plan to release a software development kit, so developers can create their own apps for Fin. The device will be sold in five different colours. There is currently no information on an Australian price or release date, though users will likely be able to order the device online.

Nattukallingal and his team aim to raise $US100,000 in flexible funding on crowdfunding site Indiegogo, meaning they will still receive the funds even if they don't reach their goal. As of press time, the campaign has raised more than US$19,000 with 19 days remaining.

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